NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Belmont University Softball Program (27-12, 13-5 MVC) took their fifth consecutive series win in match up versus Murray State (19-24, 7-11 MVC). The Bruins finished the series on top 2-1.
Game 1 (0-2)
Belmont has been red hot on offense as of late. However, the Bruins struggled to keep the bats rolling in game one of the doubleheader only recording three hits.
Murray State was the first to put a run on the board with a play in the bottom of the third.
Abi Ledbetter recorded the first hit of the day for the Bruins in the top of the fourth. Despite the slight movement from Belmont, they were unable to bring anyone home. The Bruins stepped up on defense to force the Racers to a three up, three down inning to leave the score at 0-1 heading into the fifth.
Baie Ensio got things going for Belmont in the top of the fifth. The outfielder singled to short stop before
Lauren Luciani would reach on a fielder's choice sending Ensio to second. With runners on second and third, the Bruins were still unable to bring a run home.
The Racers later added another run in the bottom of the sixth. Belmont continued to struggle at the plate resulting in a 0-2 loss in game one of the day.
Game 2 (2-0)
The Bruins were able to reset and come out strong in game two.
Emma Barnes walked followed by a single from
Grace Gressly to put runners on first and second. Ledbetter was then walked loading the bases with Bruins. Catcher
Brenna Blume entered the batter's box and recorded an RBI sacrifice fly to give Belmont their first run of the day. Murray State was able to add a couple hits, but
Maya Johnson and the Bruin defense secured three outs before the Racers could reach home.
Neither team was able to record a run in the second. Belmont maintained a 1-0 lead heading into the third.
After two straight walks, Belmont had runners on first and second. Struggling to find a hit, the Bruins were unable to bring anyone home. Murray State responded and eventually advanced a Racer to third base. With the tying run on board, Johnson threw a strikeout to prevent a run for the Racers and preserve the Bruins' lead.
Belmont added another run in the top of the fourth off a huge RBI triple by
Emily Cockrill. With E. Cockrill's swing, the Bruins extended their lead to 2-0. Johnson had an impressive inning herself in the fourth. The pitcher caught three-straight batters swinging to keep the Racers scoreless at the end of four.
Barnes and Gressly each recorded a single in the top of the fifth but were unable to reach home. The Bruins maintained a two-point edge heading into the sixth.
E. Cockrill continued to swing big for Belmont recording a single up the middle in the top of the sixth. Despite the offense from the second baseman, the Bruins couldn't bring her home. Johnson threw her ninth strikeout of the game to hold the Racers scoreless.
Both teams saw a three up, three down inning in the seventh. The Bruins went on to take game two and the series 2-0.
Up Next
The Bruins will hit the road to take on Southern Illinois in a weekend series starting on Friday at 5 p.m. CT. Live stats will be available on belmontbruins.com. Live streaming will be available on ESPN+.
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